As I do a lot of fairly high speed (4-5 mph) trolling in shallow (2-6 ft.) rocky areas, map accuracy is really important (I use the Navionics + with SonarCharts) and, after viewing some videos, I thought Autochart or, better yet, Autochart Live were pretty awesome features.

However, it seems that the Helix 7, even if it support Autochart (regular, with the Zero Line card), doesn't have the capability to record the sonar data AND read the Navionics card at the same time, having only one card slot...Is this right? Or does it have an internal memory?

Now I'm almost considering upgrading to a Helix 9 Sonar GPS (without the DI or SI, as I don't use it)...Any better ideas?

I have been recording on my Helix 7 with my Lakemaster chip in for my last few outings. I've since read most consider it risky to write to the mapping card, fears of overriting or corrupting the map files. I've found recordings and screen shots created their own folders on the card so I am not sure I have this fear anymore.

Now doing Autochart (requires that special card) and mapping at the same time...don't think that is possible.

2 more questions for you guys, if you don't mind, regarding that upgrade :

- does the Navionics + card I have with my current unit will work with another unit or are they somewhat "registered" to a specific unit?

- regarding the Autochart Live feature, what happens after the 8 hours of sonar log recording? What's the difference between saving them on the internal memory or to a card? Can you export the data? And, most importantly, does the maps created with Autochart were only another "layer" that you can display over another map with some transparency settings or does it really "correct" or change the data on a given existing map?